SAINT-DENIS, France—Real Madrid are the champions of Europe once again. Vinícius Júnior struck home the game-winning goal in the 59th minute to deliver the team’s 14th UEFA Champions League title.
Liverpool’s first half dominance
The final itself was delayed by about 40 minutes due to security issues amongst fans who were trying to enter the Stade de France.
Liverpool started off the game on the offensive front, dominating possession and forcing Real Madrid to play more conservative on the defensive side of the ball.
The closest opportunity for Liverpool came in the 20th minute when Sadio Mané had a low, driven shot deflected by Real Madrid Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois that parried off the crossbar.
Liverpool was so dominant offensively that Real Madrid did not even have one shot attempt after 35 minutes of play. In the closing moments of the first half, it looked like Real Madrid had broken the deadlock when Karim Benzema found the back of the net—only for it to be called offsides.
The score remained 0-0 at the intermission. Liverpool had 10 shot attempts compared to just one for Real Madrid. The Reds also won the possession battle in the first half, owning the ball 52% of the time.
Real Madrid bounces back
After a frustrating first half, Real Madrid opened up the second half with more of a bounce in their step.
The complexion of the game completely shifted just 14 minutes into the half when Brazilian youngster Vinícius Júnior slotted the ball home with his right foot, past the outstretched hands of Liverpool Goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Just like that, Real Madrid was up 1-0.
Los Merengues used that momentum to play a more balanced second half. They managed to take two more shots in the period and continued to keep Liverpool’s high-powered attack at bay.
They held off a late attacking surge from Mohamed Salah and Liverpool to secure a one-goal victory.
Courtois’s heroics
One player who was absolutely critical to Real Madrid’s victory was Thibaut Courtois, the team’s goalkeeper.
He racked up a total of nine saves in the game—the most by a goalkeeper on record (since 2004) in a Champions League Final. Real Madrid needed every single one of them.
Courtois was also named “Man of the Match” for the game, a fitting way to cap the night.
Real Madrid owns the record books
With the victory, Real Madrid secured their 14th Champions League title, the most in the tournament’s history. It is their first since 2018.
That is also twice as many championships than second place AC Milan.
